Every cape cutter rally has included a longer passage and this year, our organiser Paul had planned an overnight trip to Poole. I always enjoy anchoring overnight and this trip provided that too.
This trip needs the right tides to exit the Solent, so we had a relatively early start. A few boats left really early, but most of the fleet passed out of Yarmouth harbour just after 6.30. We were blessed with bright sun, but little wind. Even so, the strong tide ebbing out of the Solent carried us along at nearly six knots.
With conditions very benign, we followed the Needles Channel and passed very close to those iconic rocks. Once past the turbulence up to the final west cardinal at Bridge, we passed into Christchurch Bay, but progress here was slow, owing to the very light winds. Even the very modest sea state serves to stop a small boat like the cape cutter in its tracks without a decent breeze to power her up.
I eventually made the decision to drop the sails and motor, but within 3 miles of Handfast Point, the wind returned and I had a lovely sail up to Harry’s Rocks and then gybed north into the Poole harbour.
The chain ferry at the mouth was easy enough to navigate around, but the channel markers are confusing for newcomers. Poole harbour is a huge island-strewn lagoon, but very shallow (indeed drying) over much of its area. At low tide, it was important to follow the torturous routes indicated by the maze of markers. The early birds dropped anchor to the NW of Brownsea island, whereas the majority of the fleet put their pin down at the South Deep (not a literally accurate name!). After a lunch break (and/or siesta!), most of the fleet pulled anchor to explore Poole harbour. The crew of ladybird went ashore to explore Brownsea island.
Looking at the chart does not prepare one for how lovely this place is. There are many islands, which are heavily wooded and many low-lying banks. To the south and west, the harbour is peaceful and natural, whereas the north and east is well developed. There are two large marinas and a huge (not very attractive) commercial port near the town. There are moored boats everywhere and the water is busy with all manner of water craft from canoes and SUPs to ferries and tour boats, as well as large shipping too. A very busy place, but with a cape cutter easy to explore the shallow quiet creeks, or go ashore. I sailed Aurora in a complete lap of Brownsea island, though I did feel like I was beating the whole way!
Ten of the fleet anchored overnight at south deep, Ladybird remained off the beach at Brownsea island and a few opted for marina berths overnight. The weather was rather grey in the evening, but it lent a rather attractive pastel air to the moored fleet and I always enjoy the peace and tranquillity of an anchorage at dusk.
Various meals were cooked aboard and crews gradually retired to their cabin for the night. In the morning, our return to Yarmouth and a passage race.
Travelling Aurora - journeys of a Cape Cutter 19 
Great to have your regular updates on this event. I’m impressed with the turn-out and wish I could have joined and added another boat to the mix.
That’s a very nice looking stove you have onboard Aurora. I’ve read that a spirit stove is safer than gas but does the work well? It looks as though it required a reasonably substantial structure to support it. Is this a custom build?
Thanks for your comments. You’ll have to come next year! If you look in my blog you’ll find more info on the galley. I didn’t want gas inside the boat and I find my stove very effective (more expensive than gas. I don’t use meths, I get alcohol in bulk off Amazon.